Laguna Niguel The City Council approved plans and specifications for expansion of Sea Country Senior and Community Center at its meeting Tuesday.

Members of the Senior Citizen’s Committee and the Senior Club collaborated with the city on plans.

About 10,000 square feet will be added to the building incorporating a multi-purpose room with a kitchen, an expanded computer classroom featuring 16 computers and a dedicated fitness room. The library will have more space for books, a conference table and room for laptops. The enlarged lobby will encourage visitors to spend time with others, and a separate nurse’s office will mean more privacy.

Other improvements include an improved courtyard with an outdoor stage.

Construction bids will be open in April, and the council expects to sign contracts in May. Work would then begin in June and is expected to be finished in June 2008.

Cost for the project is expected to be $4,861,000. The center will remain open during construction.

Other City Council actions

The council approved the agreement with a liability company to acquire property for the Camino Capistrano Landscape Improvement Project. The street will be widened and improved from Crown Valley Parkway to south of Avery Parkway. A 5 foot strip of land is privately owned and the city would pay $80,500 for the property before the project begins.

Homes in single-family neighborhoods may be used for day-care residential. The City Council is interested in a zoning code amendment that would allow such use. Day care homes would have to comply with residential development, day use issues and noise level standards. The city’s Planning Commission will study the issue before a recommendation is made.

The City Council approved grants to middle schools serving residents in Laguna Niguel. Teachers submitted program ideas and recommendations were made by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Glaab and Councilman Mike Whipple. Four applications were received.

Aliso Viejo Middle School will receive $928 for its anatomy lab, and $900 for its college preparation program. Niguel Hills Middle School will receive $2,250 for its theater program and $1,000 for the Science Club.

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